At this point, the roster is just about set. However, you can always get better. Here are three guys that could help the Las Vegas Raiders do exactly that, in particular on defense.
Who should the Raiders target on defense ahead of training camp?
Ndamukong Suh, Defensive Tackle
Suh is one of those guys that was just born to be a Raider. Every time he is available, the Raiders seem like a possibility. He just has that aura about him that screams “This guy belongs in Silver and Black!” There have been countless other players who did not seem to ever truly find their home until they wound up with the Raiders. It reminds me of guys like Lyle Alzado, Bill Romanowski, and most recently, Richie Incognito, just to name a few.
On a more practical note, Suh fits a need. You can never have enough defensive linemen. He would provide a good complement up the middle in pass rush to the studs the Raiders have on the outside. Also, he would be a great veteran mentor to the two young defensive tackles that the Raiders just drafted. So, while adding Such would just feel good, he would also tangibly make the team better.
Landon Collins, Safety
One of the biggest needs that the Raiders still have is safety. Trevon Moehrig is the real deal, but he needs a partner in Patrick Graham’s defense, which deploys a lot of two-deep looks. Right now, that role is being filled by Johnathan Abram. That isn’t a role that he’s particularly well-suited for. The Raiders can’t feel good about him as the starter going forward.
Collins is a seven-year vet with stints in New York and Washington. He was a three-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro with the Giants. His play fell off a bit with the Commanders and he became a cap casualty this spring. Collins is still only 27 years old, so there is plenty left in the tank. While his play didn’t justify his massive contract in Washington, he was still productive. He had recently transitioned to more of a hybrid linebacker/safety role, so he was more of a thumper like Abram. However, he would be a significant upgrade. Collins is not nearly as much of a liability in coverage as Abram, and he is much more of a sure tackler than the heat-seeking missile that the Raiders currently deploy. At worst, it could provide competition. Given Collins’ injury history, they would likely want to keep Abram around as well.
Jamie Collins, Linebacker
Right now, the Raiders don’t have a ton of depth at linebacker. Denzel Perryman is back to lead this group. Jayon Brown was an intriguing signing this spring and should see a fair amount of playing time. Divine Deablo is heading into his second year after playing somewhat sparingly in his rookie campaign. After that, things get pretty murky.
Adding someone like Collins would immediately improve the defense. At worst, he would be a luxury depth piece. At best, he could wind up starting. Also, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that he’s a former Patriot and that Vegas would be full of familiar faces. They start at the top with Dave Ziegler, to coaches like Josh McDaniels and Patrick Graham. It’s a little surprising that the Raiders haven’t signed him yet. It almost makes you wonder if the decision makers know something we don’t. If that isn’t the case, this should be a no-brainer.
Honorable Mention: Will Compton
If it’s not going to work out with Collins, the Raiders could always call “the boy.” Compton is about as much of a “lunch pail” guy as you can get. He isn’t offended by being cut and signed multiple times. Also, he recently acquired “dad strength,” so who knows what he could look like this year?
Practically speaking, he would give the Raiders extra depth at linebacker and be an absolute grinder on special teams. He’s an excellent “glue guy” to have in the locker room, especially on a team that’s trying to get over the hump towards being a contender.
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*Top Photo: Daniel Shirey/Getty Images